I'm not sure why the immediate perception seems to be that Indies are the only other default alternative, although I agree with you generally speaking on your observation about booking them, allowing for exceptions of course. There are reliable and reputable indies just as there are generally reliable agencies. Having said that, if you have personal reasons why agencies better for you then that's fine. I mean no disrespect to your preferences. I don't gainsay anybody's approach to how they want to monger. I just don't understand it myself. I find the rigidity and the restrictions onerous. Again, my experience and my outlook aren't standard for the general community here, so my approach is different. What works for me needn't apply to others.
I totally agree. To each their own, as you said. Agency vs Indies is a personal choice, there are pros and cons to each one.
I prefer Indies. I booked with agencies for the longest time, and sometimes I still do. They’re good and have some advantages.
I avoided Indies for a few years because previously, like others, I couldn’t justify the higher prices and the screening, etc.
But I started booking Indies 1-2 years ago, and let me tell you, they’re some of the best experiences that I’ve had. If you book Indies that advertise on Tryst or merb, in general they’re very reliable, professional, low volume and provide a great service.
IMO, the price difference is justified because they’re low volume, and I can easily book the date/time that I want. Low volume is important for me.
Also, there are some amazing girls at the agencies. But I can’t remember the last time that I managed to book one of the popular SPs. They’re usually fully booked by the time the schedule comes out! And I don’t have the time/patience to sit in front of my screen and refresh the page 100 times, completing with 100s of other guys to hopefully get a “spot”.
Instead I’ll text an Indy that I have great chemistry with, book pretty much the time that I want, and I’ll have a more personalized experience. Sure it’s more expensive, but for me it’s worth it.
Again, pros and cons to each one. And to each their own.